Canoeing/Kayaking

Enjoy paddling by the light of the setting sun and experience the serenity and wildlife of Twin Creek. No paddling experience or equipment required. Kayak rental will be available for $20 or you are welcome to bring your own!

Join Mudlick Tap House, Fat Heads Brewery, and Twin Creek Kayak and Canoe Livery for a guided kayaking tour on Twin Creek in Germantown. Evening is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

One of the area’s most beloved local music showcases, Hog Jam Music and Camping Festival, is back yet again with it’s eleventh year of musical goodness. This year festival organizers have added a fun twist, by changing the location of the festival to Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City, adding canoeing to the list of awesome activities this event has to offer!

The best reason to go is the simply astounding line-up of local music, which includes The Almighty Get Down, Guthrie Brown, Subterranean, Tony Red Band, Jonny Dreads and the Mystiks, Sharon Lane, Reyna Spears and many more! Add camping, waterslide, vendors, canoeing, and the traditional hog roast to the event, and it’s a “don’t miss” event for music lovers and adventurers alike.

Hog Jam is family friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring the kids along! Kids under 12 are free!

How to go?

When: August 26th and 27th. Gates open 12pm Friday. Music starts at 5pm Friday. Saturday music starts at 12pm.

Adventures on the Great Miami is excited to be hosting the Miami Valley’s first River Race and Fun Float on Saturday, June 25. Launching from Treasure Island Park in Troy, the course stretches over 12 miles of the beautiful Great Miami River, ending at Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City.

“We’ve set up six check points along the way and will have floating volunteers to ensure a safe and fun day on the river for everyone,” Brian Johnson, organizer said. “It’s our first race but we’ve looked at a number of similar events to see what works best.”

Race prizes include cash, credit to White Water Warehouse in Dayton and a brand new S.U.P. or Kayak for the overall first place winner. Fun float awards will be given out for costumes, team flag and the team who collects the most debris from out of the river.

“The race is a great opportunity for serious water sports enthusiasts and the fun float is a way to get creative with some friends and share a day out on the water,” Johnson said.

Following the race, participants and spectators alike are invited to the after party at Adventures on the Great Miami with lawn games, live music, craft beer and food trucks. River Race and Fun Float participants will be entitled to a complimentary meal and night of camping.

“It’s going to be a great day, filled with a lot of activities both in and out of the river,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to host people back at camp to celebrate the first of hopefully many river races to come.”

For those interested, the Great Miami 12 Mile River Race & Fun Float will be held on June 25 with racers launching from Treasure Island Park in Troy at 12pm, followed by an after party held at the finish line at Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City.

Individual racer entry (Kayak & S.U.P.) is $50, team racer entry (canoe) is $75 per team and fun float entry is $35. Kayak and S.U.P. rentals are available through Adventures on the Great Miami for $20 per person. Online registration can be done through itsyourrace.com

Every other Monday kayak enthusiasts and beer lovers unite on Twin Creek in Germantown. This laid back affair is put together by Twin Creek Kayak and Canoe Livery & Mudlick Tap House. Float down the scenic twin creek, stop for the rope swings, meet some new people as they paddle by and work up an appetite.

Meet up at the launch location ( Kercher Park on Astoria Road) and be ready to go by 6:00pm. The float last about 90 minutes. No prior paddling experience is needed. There are kayaks for rent for $15 (which includes bringing you back to the start point after the float) or bring your own kayak or canoe and float for free! Mark Ketzel, owner of Twin Creek Kayak and Canoe Livery says, “this partnership is great, we sold out the last float and I think we even had a record number of people out on Twin Creek.”

After the trip everyone is invited back to Mudlick Tap House for food and drinks on the patio. You can look forward to fun cocktails, awesome craft beers or a selection of sun teas.

Reservations for the kayaks are limited and you must sign up ahead. Email [email protected]

Enjoy paddling by the light of the setting sun and experience the serenity and wildlife of Twin Creek. No paddling experience or equipment required. Kayak rental will be available for $15 or you are welcome to bring your own!

Join Mudlick Tap House and Twin Creek Kayak and Canoe Livery for a guided kayaking tour on Twin Creek in Germantown. Evening is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The trip will be for a duration of about 90 minutes as we launch from the Germantown Dam and float to Cherry St.

Canoegrass is a weekend celebration of bluegrass music, the best of the human spirit and river life. The banks of the Great Miami River will come alive with the best entertainers in the region. This isn’t your ordinary festival. Get ready to get wet, wild and jam all weekeBring a friend, a cooler, camp and celebrate the river life at Adventures on the Great Miami. By the end of weekend, everyone will be yelling “Take a Drink a Beer”

A grand opening event will be held for the Mad River Run at Eastwood MetroPark at 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 5. Enter at 1385 Harshman Road.

Part conservation, part recreation, the Mad River Run includes a kayak and canoe whitewater feature in the Mad River, river access points, and an area for observing paddlers or just enjoying the river. Construction was funded in part by a $100,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Dayton. Members will celebrate and commemorate the Mad River Run during the grand opening.

“The Rotary Club of Dayton is excited to support this new destination for free, active outdoor recreation and place where everyone can connect with the Mad River,” said Greg Birkemeyer, president of the Rotary Club of Dayton. “Enhancing our river assets is critical to making the Miami Valley an even better place to live, work and play.

“Recovery work after Dayton’s great flood of 1913 was the first relief project for Rotary International, so this was the perfect project for the Rotary Club of Dayton to support to commemorate our 100 years of service to the local community,” Birkemeyer added.

The Mad River Run also improved the aquatic habitat and safety characteristics of the river while providing a 4-mile paddling experience from Eastwood to RiverScape MetroParks.

“The Mad River Run is part of a renewed focus on rivers in our community, and this project accentuates a key river corridor that leads right into downtown,” MetroParks Executive Director Becky Benná said. “Improving outdoor recreation opportunities is a key component in attracting and retaining the workforce that will power our regional economy, as well as in strengthening Dayton’s vibrancy.

“We thank the Rotary Club of Dayton for its generous donation that has helped Five Rivers MetroParks’ fulfill its mission to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature,” Benná added.

In addition to the new play areas for paddlers at Mad River Run, spectators can view the action from the riverbank. The river feature serves as a swiftwater rescue training classroom, and additional programs are planned for advanced paddling and maneuvering training in moving water.

“The features on the Mad River have helped meet the needs of the paddling community — not only for current paddlers and the new ones we gain daily, but for future generations,” said local paddling expert and enthusiast Lamar Jackson. “As a father of two, a paddler and instructor, I see the big picture of something like this and can assure you my children and I will be taking full advantage of what the current feature and planned features have to offer. The ease of access and location makes this a great place for instructional clinics for paddling or swift water rescue, and the location of the Mad River Run couldn’t be at a better spot for the public to see.”

In addition, those interested in fishing will benefit from deep water holes formed by the water flow around the River Run rock structures, where fish tend to concentrate to stay out of the river current.

“The Mad River Run is a great addition to the Miami Valley,” said Pete Ziehler of the National Association of Professional River Anglers. “It’s a place for anglers to seek fish pooled above and below the run. This also enables fly anglers to hone their skills with the calmness of the waters. This gem is really a keystone in the continued development of the waterways in the MetroParks system.”

Six weeks ago Tom Helbig cooked up this idea for a festival called canoegrass! Things have happened quickly: he built a website, created a logo, built a floating stage, started a Facebook page, booked 8 musicians, made t-shirts, ordered beer and ticket sales have started for the Aug 16-17 festival. Tom is quick to credit help from his friends that have helped turn his dream into a reality and invites you to join the fun. Tom also shared this will be a family friendly event.

Canoegrass will be a weekend celebration of bluegrass music, the best of the human spirit and river life. The festival site will be banks of the Great Miami River, which will come alive with the best entertainers in the region. This isn’t your ordinary festival. Get ready to get wet, wild and jam all weekend long. The best seat in the house just may be from a canoe or tube!

You will find music everywhere; at camp, on your river trip and even on a floating stage. Some will be scheduled, some will not! Attendees are encouraged to help build the scene and jam everywhere you find the inspiration.

CampStage:

Home of the Friday and Saturday night featured acts that includes some of the best bluegrass and roots performers in our region. Bring your dancing boots, a partner and shout “Take a Drink a Beer” all night long.

This is what everyone will be talking about at Canoegrass! Borrow a tube or bring your inflatable to float on the Great Miami River during the Tube Jam floating stage shows. Cool off during these shows as the August heat will be in full force! Float around with friends and enjoy up and coming performers from our region.

On Saturday morning, the Great Miami River will play host to our paddling trips and streamside jam sessions. Make sure you stop and join a jam session along your journey. We encourage you to bring your own instruments, raft together with friends and jam your way downstream!

Canoeing and kayaking trips, 10 am – 3 pm

There is so much to do beyond camping and music at Canoegrass! Check out all the fun you can have during the weekend:

Canoegrass offers access to a stream-side rope swing for a splashing good time! We also claim to have the greatest slip and slide in the world. You will feel like a kid again no matter your age. Access granted with camping or day pass.

Canoe Jousting

That’s right medieval jousting meets canoeing! Hop in a canoe and battle the opposition in a friendly match to see who can be the last one standing. Competitors will be required to wear a life jacket and helmet. We like things a little crazy so wear costumes and the wildest helmet you can find to distract your competition and give those on the bank a good laugh! Register Saturday morning by 1 pm at the camp office. Jousting begins at 2 pm. A single-elimination bracket will be created at close of registration. First place earns braggin’ rights and some of the coolest photos of all time!

Biking

Canoegrass is across the river from the Great Miami River Bikeway and provides convenient access to over 300 miles of paved trail to explore. This is the largest connected bikeway network in the country. We highly recommend you bring a bike for the weekend. You can put on a bunch of miles or take a leisurely ride to Tipp City or the Tadmor Historic Site at Taylorsville MetroPark in between the action at Canoegrass.

Fishing

We are on a river and there are hungry small mouth bass that live there! Pack a rod and try to land the big one from camp or on your float trip. Ohio Fishing License required.

Hiking

Take a hike. Yes, we mean it! We are minutes away from some of the most beautiful hiking trails at Charleston Falls Preserve and Taylorsville MetroPark. Definitely, a great way to shake the hangover before action picks up at Canoegrass.

Join Great Miami Outfitters and the Miami Valley Region in our fight against cancer by kayaking for a cure on Saturday, Aug 10th. Funds raised through Kayak for a Cure – Dayton are donated to American Cancer Society (ACS) whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. An experienced kayaker will paddle with each group of six (6) paddlers. Participating paddlers must be at least 16 years of age or older, and minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We encourage participants to bring their own kayak or canoe. A limited number of kayaks will be available for rental. Kayaks, paddles and PFDs can be rented for $20 for participants that do not have their own. Canoes are welcome. Light breakfast items will be available prior to the paddle and lunch and entertainment will be provided after the paddle. Kayak For A Cure shirts will be presented to all participants who register prior to Saturday, July 27th. Direct questions to Dan Schlegel, Event Chairperson at [email protected]

When & Where is the Event?
Kayak for a Cure™ Dayton will take place Saturday August 10th from 9:00 am to about 2:00 pm. The event will be held in Miamisburg, OH at Linden Ave. Bridge Park.

What is the fundraising goal and what organization benefits?
This is the first event of this kind in the Dayton area and we hope to raise $12,000, with $10,000 to be donated to the American Cancer Society. A final check will be sent from Kayak For A Cure. The additional $2000 raised will offset the cost of putting on the event, unless of course, we receive other donations. Event expenses may include such things as permits, insurance, t-shirts, portable toilets, food and beverages, and miscellaneous printing. Ask us about sponsorship to help offset these expenses, so that the maximum donation can be made to ACS.

Can I bring my own kayak or canoe?
YES. Registered participants are encouraged to bring their own kayak/canoe, paddle(s) and PFDs. You will need to drop your boat off at the launch point in West Carrollton prior to checking in at the registration booth in Miamisburg at the Linden bridge access. Please drop your boat and gear off prior to 8:00 AM, then drive to Miamisburg Linden Avenue bridge where you will park your vehicle. A shuttle bus will take you back up to the launch point in West Carrollton. You will end up at your car in Miamisburg after the paddle trip.

What if I don’t own a kayak or canoe?Can one be provided?
If you do not own a kayak or canoe, there are a limited number of rental boats and equipment available. Rental includes a paddle and PFD. The registration fee is $20 more to include the rental equipment, and are available on a first-come, first-registered basis.

The Event Schedule
The event begins and ends in Miamisburg at the Linden Avenue bridge.
8:00 am – Check-In at registration booth
8:15 am – Welcome, Intro and Information
8:30 am – Shuttles take participants up to West Carrollton at the launch point
9:00 am – Launch in West Carrollton and float down the Great Miami River to Miamisburg (approximately 5.5 river miles). The paddle trip will take approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
12:00 pm – Lunch, Door Prizes & Entertainment
2:00 pm – Event concludes – (After-party at a local restaurant to be announced!)

What is included?
All participants will receive the following:
• A river paddle trip from Miamisburg to West Carrollton – includes people shuttle service.
• A T-Shirt (FREE if registered by July 27th)
• A Light Breakfast
• A chance for door prizes (Items to be announced). Registered participants will receive one (1) door prize ticket with entry fee, PLUS one additional ticket for each additional $50 raised.
• Lunch after the paddle trip, with live acoustic music!

Registration Fees
Advance registration is required. We are limited to 84 participants. Participants must be at least 16 years of age or older.

Or you can make a check payable to “Kayak For A Cure – Dayton” and mail to PO Box 1966, Miamisburg Ohio 45343. Please include a completed Registration Form.$100 registration – bring your own boat.$120 registration – includes a kayak, paddle and PFD (life vest). Limited kayak availability.
An additional door prize ticket for every additional $50 raised by each registered participant. Great door prizes to be announced!Money raised, minus expenses, will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

2013 Local Sponsors
Great Miami Outfitters
City of Miamisburg
City of West Carrollton
Five Rivers MetroParks

About Kayak For A CureKayak for a Cure™ was launched in 2006 by a group of twenty-somethings in Vancouver, BC, from an idea that started right here in DAYTON. Our group was eager to start something special – something scalable and fun while providing legitimate funding to the American and Canadian Cancer Societies, respectively. Something that could build community, provide an amazing one-day kayaking experience and raise money for cancer research and prevention. Kayak for a Cure™ is a volunteer-run organization and gives 100% of their proceeds to charities close to their hearts. Each summer, in cities around the United States and Canada, paddlers – both beginners and experienced – climb in to plastic boats and cross waterways, bays, lakes and channels for two reasons: an excuse to have a great day in the outdoors with some amazing people, and to be part of the solution: fund the research that leads to cures for all types of cancers.

The increasingly popular sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is sweeping the Miami Valley. Cruising around local waterways is fun and easy to get out and play on the water for all ages. You can paddle anything from lakes and rivers to the ocean—no waves required.

Anyone who has been on a SUP can tell you it is an amazing full body workout and provides an excellent cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, runners and other athletes. While standing up you all get a new perspective and view of the natural surrounding you might not get while sitting down. It’s almost like walking on water!

What You Need To Get Started:

Stand up paddleboard: By far the biggest investment. Sizes are based on the paddler’s weight and experience. More experienced and lighter paddlers can choose narrower boards. Novice paddlers should choose wider, flatter boards, which offer more stability.

Paddle: Yes, they are different. They have an angle or “elbow” in the shaft for maximum efficiency, are much longer since you are standing up and are usually taller than the paddler themselves (roughly 6” to 8” taller than you are)

PFD (Personal Flotation Device): No matter what you are paddling, you should wear one, and that includes a SUP. The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, so always wear a PFD whenever you’re paddling navigable water.

Proper clothing: For cold conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. In milder conditions, wear shorts and a T-shirt or bathing suit—something that moves with you and can get wet.

Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses.

Where to buy, rent, or try in the Miami Valley

Whitewater Warehouse, fulfilling the regions paddle sports needs for years. Located in downtown Dayton. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Demo – Sunday, June 3